Sounds nice except the capital gains rate in the 10% marginal rate is 0%. So your $1,800 is equal in both.

Plus, in the taxable account, you can use the money at any time without a 10% penalty for early use, like to retire early as I did.

A taxable brokerage that allows you a full latitude of investments, where you buy securities and hold them long-term, not short-term in and out trading, can build more wealth than high fee, mediocre investments available in far too many 401ks. Your individual plan may or may not have great options to invest in.

Everything coming out of traditional accounts, IRAs and 401k/403b/etc, is subject to income tax and the accounts are all subject to RMDs(Required Minimum Distributions(as is a Roth 401k)).

One big benefit of tax-advantaged accounts is the regulations to keep the money in the account for retirement and not spend it early. Too many people spend money if they have two nickels to rub together. These accounts push them a little harder to save.

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